43/100
2012Small Station WagonsRegular

2012 Dodge Caliber

EPA ID: 31814
23
City MPG
24
Combined MPG
24MPG· Average
27
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2012 Dodge Caliber achieves an EPA-estimated 24 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 23 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios), this small station wagons features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2012 Caliber produces approximately 370 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Caliber performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,500, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $1,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSmall Station Wagons
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions370 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,500
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $1,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
24.6
Impact vs EPA
$-57
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$621/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$16,800
45.1%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$10,938
29.4%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$9,125
24.5%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.1%
Total 5-Year Cost$37,263

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #16V668000·2017-08-15
critical
Component: SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Dodge Caliber configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,500
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $1,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City23 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined24 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

74.1 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 92 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 6.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.